Back to Basics – Brown Bag Book Covers

I love back to school season. I still remember the anticipation before the first day of school. Wondering who my teachers would be, if they would be nice or strict, would my friends be in the same class as me? School supplies still hold a special place in my heart. I love the smell of new crayons and pencils; packing them all neatly inside my clean backpack ready for my first day of school. What a wonderful memory.

When I was a child, my mother would cover our textbooks on her own. No fancy book socks or covers bought in the store.  My mother would take our brown paper shopping bags and magically turn them into book covers.  We would spend hours decorating our brown canvases with stickers and crayons. I always felt that my books were beautiful and I cherished them even more.

As a mother sending my own children back to school it is this memory that I want to share with my own children. Not only is it a wonderful lesson on recycling, taking something that we no longer need and reusing it purposefully, but it promotes creativity and problem solving skills.  

Instead of buying your book covers this year, I encourage you to try making some of your own with your children. These brown bag book covers can withstand months of use and wear and tear. Go for the basic brown book cover or jazz it up with stickers, ribbons, colored tape, or paint. There are so many different ways to be creative with this project. The possibilities are endless! 

BASIC COVER HOW-TO:

1. Open your brown paper grocery bag and cut it down the right side until you reach the bottom.
2. Remove the base of the bag. Cut along each of the 4 sides and take the square bottom off.
3. Spread out the bag so that the pictures and lettering on the bag are facing you.
4. Place the book in the center of the paper, and fold the paper against the top and bottom edges of the book to make creases. Remove the book and fold the paper down neatly along these creased lines, keeping folds smooth and even.
5. Place the closed book on the folded paper, two inches away from the right side; wrap the long side of the paper around the front cover of the book, and crease along the edge of the front cover. (It's important to do this with the book closed, or the cover will be too tight.)
6. Remove, fold crisply, then open the book and slide the front cover into the created sleeve. Close the book and crease the other end of the paper against its back cover. Fold down then open the back cover and slide it into the created sleeve.

Black & White Flowers Embellished with Rhinestones!

Modge  Podge Flower Book Covers

Supplies:

Brown Shopping Bag
Modge Podge
Flower Scrapbook Paper
Brush
Scissor

Directions:

1. Follow the directions for the Basic Cover How To.
2. Once your book is covered begin to cut out the flowers from the scrapbook page.  Lay the flowers down on to your book cover in whatever design you choose.
3. After you’ve placed all the flowers down and you have your pattern turn the pieces of paper upside down. Using your paintbrush spread the modge podge all around. The entire back side should be covered.
4. Turn the flowers right side up and press firmly down unto the paper in to the pattern you choose.
5. Seal your design with another coat of modge modge on top of the design. Do not worry, although the glue is white, it will dry clear.

Shabby Chic Painted Distressed Book Covers

Supplies:

Brown Shopping Bag
Modge Podge
Flower Scrapbook Paper
Brush
Scissor
Crackle Paint Medium
White Acrylic Paint
Raffia or Ribbon
Directions:
1. Follow the directions for the Basic Cover How To up to step 3.
2. Lay your brown paper upside down so the folds are underneath.  
3. Spread the crackling medium onto the entire piece of brown paper that is facing up. Let dry. 
4. Once the paper is completely dry spread the white paint over it. You will notice the paint beginning to crackle. A thick layer is best.
5. Once the paper is completely dry finish following the instructions from the Basic Cover How To and cover your book.
6. Tie raffia or ribbon around the middle part of the front book cover. Tie a not on the underside of the cover.
7. Cut out a flower from the scrapbook paper. Spread a thick layer of modge podge on the back side and press it hard on top of the raffia and book cover.
8. Embellish with your child’s name, glitter, or sequins!




Stenciled Book Covers

Supplies:

Brown Shopping Bag
Sponge
Scissor
White Acrylic Paint
Stencil
Directions:
1. Follow the directions for the Basic Cover How To up to step 3.
2. Lay your brown paper upside down so the folds are underneath.  
3. Apply white paint onto your sponge. Lay your stencil where you would like the pattern to show. Pounce the sponge over the stencil. Repeat for desired effect.  
4. For a distressed look – smooth the sponge over the edges of the paper in a side to side motion. This will make them look worn and old. Do not use a lot of white paint.
5. Once the paper is completely dry finish following the instructions from the Basic Cover How To and cover your book.
6. Embellish with your child’s name, glitter, or sequins!

 

Polka Dot Book Covers

Supplies:

Brown Shopping Bag
Round Sponge
Scissor
Variety of Acrylic Paint Colors
Variety of Puffy Paint Colors
Directions:
1. Follow the directions for the Basic Cover How To up to step 3.
2. Lay your brown paper upside down so the folds are underneath.  
3. Apply colored paint onto your round sponge. Press down onto your book cover. Repeat with different colors till your desired effect is achieved.   
4. Using the puffy paint create small circles and dots all around. Use different colors to create a beautiful masterpiece. 
5. Once the paper is completely dry finish following the instructions from the Basic Cover How To and cover your book.
6. Embellish with your child’s name, glitter, or sequins!

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